Key Points
- Muswell Hill-based charity Exposure, which supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds through creative media, is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
- Established in 1996 by founder Andreas Koumi, the charity provides a platform for individuals aged 14–25 to voice their perspectives and gain experience in communications.
- The organisation is marking this milestone with a leadership transition, including the appointment of a new CEO.
- Exposure has evolved from its origins as a youth magazine produced via early desktop publishing to a multi-award-winning, youth-led communications charity.
- Throughout its three decades, the charity has focused on empowering marginalised youth, helping them navigate personal challenges while fostering skills, confidence, and community networks.
Muswell Hill (North London News) April 29, 2026 — The North London youth-led communications charity Exposure is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating three decades of providing a platform for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to find their voice and engage with creative media. Since its inception in 1996, the Muswell Hill-based organisation has dedicated its mission to empowering 14 to 25-year-olds facing multiple challenges, helping them to harness digital technology and volunteering opportunities to drive social change. As the charity commemorates its 30th anniversary, it enters a new chapter with leadership changes, including the appointment of a new CEO to guide its future endeavours.
How did Exposure begin its journey in North London?
Exposure was founded in 1996 by Andreas Koumi, who sought to create a space where young people could express themselves independently of commercial or political influences. As noted by the charity’s historical records, the initiative began in a small room at the Muswell Hill Centre, facilitated by an initial grant from Haringey Council. At a time when desktop publishing was first becoming accessible, Mr Koumi established a free youth magazine to share the authentic voices of local young people, distributing it across schools, colleges, and libraries. This grassroots approach was designed to bridge the gap for those who felt marginalised and lacked a platform to speak on issues that mattered to their well-being and development.
What impact has the charity had on local youth over three decades?
Over the past 30 years, Exposure has expanded its operations from its initial publishing focus into a multi-faceted communications charity. According to the organisation’s official profile, the charity has supported thousands of young volunteers to deliver impactful campaigns that have reached over a million people. Anjola Fashawe, a former participant who first engaged with the charity at age 16, highlighted the personal impact of the organisation, stating that she found a “community” that provided her with a sense of belonging in creative media when she was previously anxious and unsure of her potential. The charity continues to operate on the principle that young people, when given the right tools and guidance, are capable of driving lasting social change while building essential life skills and connections.
What does the leadership transition mean for the charity?
As the charity marks its 30th anniversary, it has implemented a structured leadership transition, including the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer. This shift is seen as a strategic step to ensure the long-term sustainability of the charity’s mission in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. While founder Andreas Koumi has been central to the organisation’s operations since 1996, the introduction of a new CEO signals an effort to build upon the existing foundation of youth-led communications. The charity maintains that its commitment to fostering the voices of marginalised young people remains at the core of its operations, even as it modernises its approach to engagement and advocacy.
What is the background of this development?
The development of Exposure as a pillar of the North London community is rooted in the social climate of the mid-1990s, when digital access and media representation were significantly different from today. Founder Andreas Koumi, who had previously worked in journalism, launched the organisation with the specific intent of creating a “soulful” alternative to commercial media environments. Throughout its history, the charity has navigated changes in technology—moving from print-based magazines to digital platforms and social media—while remaining committed to its original focus on 14–25-year-olds from diverse backgrounds. By maintaining its status as an independent charity, Exposure has been able to solicit funding from various sources, allowing it to avoid party-political or corporate pressure, a hallmark of its longevity and reputation.
How will this development affect the local audience?
For the young people of North London, this 30-year milestone and the subsequent leadership change signify a continued investment in their creative and personal growth. The charity’s transition provides an opportunity to reassess and strengthen the programmes that offer volunteering, mentoring, and co-production activities, which are critical for those navigating multiple disadvantages. For local stakeholders, including schools, community centres, and educational partners, this development suggests that Exposure remains a reliable entity for youth engagement and social advocacy. As the organisation looks to its future, the new leadership is positioned to maintain the platform’s relevance, ensuring that the next generation of North Londoners can continue to access the same developmental support that has been available to their predecessors since 1996.
